"Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, we are free at last."
These famous words from Martin Luther King Jr. echoed through my mind upon finding out the results of the election this morning. I find this statement to be accidentally ironic.
Congratulations Obama.
I woke up at 6am this morning and made a web call to my parents. I wanted to find out what had gone on while I was sleeping in Switzerland and Americans were gathered around their TVs, out in the streets, or busy rallying for the candidates.
I opened up the chat window on MSN messenger and greeted my parents. The first thing they told me was "McCain is giving his concession speech."
I almost felt like crying our of sheer happiness. It was such an emotional moment for me and for the first time in my life I felt proud to be an American. It also felt ironic that during this whole process I was here in Lugano, Switzerland, in the wee hours of the morning learning about this news in the darkness, huddled around my laptop, talking to my parents, thousands of miles away. Twenty-two months have worked up to this moment and it is finally here. I almost feel as if I'm in a dream.
But this doesn't really matter in my mind. The important issue is that the world is entering a new chapter--we are in this together, and Obama was the one that stepped up to the plate and offered his ideas, strategies, and plans for drastically changing our current situation for the better. He's got a big mess to clean up. Thanks for that, Bush.
Just wanted to offer my initial thoughts. This was a very closely watched issue, even here in Switzerland, and in Europe.
Lydia
But this doesn't really matter in my mind. The important issue is that the world is entering a new chapter--we are in this together, and Obama was the one that stepped up to the plate and offered his ideas, strategies, and plans for drastically changing our current situation for the better. He's got a big mess to clean up. Thanks for that, Bush.
Just wanted to offer my initial thoughts. This was a very closely watched issue, even here in Switzerland, and in Europe.
Lydia
4 comments:
Lydia,
Saturday afternoon I worked the call center in SA for Obama and the Democratic party. I was amazed by the army of volunteers. The people in charge were all young - under thirty. It was a get out the vote party for Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, and Missouri. People just attacked the call sheets and within an hour or so the North Carolina sheets were done. It was empowering to be part of it. People worked hard and it was less fun than I anticipated - they fed us pizza but then it was back to work. I was exhausted on Sunday. This has been fairly long for me. I went to the caucus in February and then again in March. Then I did get out the vote for Bandera County. And then GOTV for other states. Most Americans are truly hopeful that Obama can right the ship and redirect America.
And for a little humor, last week, Chris Rock was quoted saying,"Bush fucked things up so bad that not even a white man can be elected president!"
You, me and the rest of the world looks forward to Obama in the oval office. He seems committed to actually doing the work.
David
I appreciate your comments Lydia. Don't know if you've heard, but Prop 8 passed--narrowly, but passed. There are a lot of conservatives in the inland areas.
Linda
Like David, Curt and I have been working off and on for the past year. We signed on in October 2007 to help prepare for the Iowa caucuses. We here in Iowa are pretty proud to have gotten the Obama candidacy rolling.
Also like David, Curt, Charli and I worked Saturday, knocking on doors for 5 hours. Then, I went by myself Monday. I walked an entire Ward in Red Oak. I also spent time before and after, debunking a specious chain e-mail that ended up in my mail box. It had gone to too many people I know who seem prone to believing rumors, rather than facts.
So come concession speech time, Curt and I were literally exhausted and relieved. And I guess I feel we've only won the battle; the war ain't over. I'm bracing myself to continue the fight with the Religious Right and Palin. They will not go quietly. All you kids -- prepare yourselves. You can't afford to sit on the sidelines like I did for 27 years.
That said, I believe Obama is more than capable of handling what's to come. He won't get everything right, but if you watched how he ran his campaign, you know he'll do a great job.
Especially if we continue to work with him.
"Sarah Palin has flown back to Alaska where she was tagged and returned to the wild." - John Stewart.
And where exactly is Africa?
The work is not done. Everyone needs to remain engaged and communicate with their senators and congressman - continue to apply pressure - be ever watchful.
David
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